OHCHR-Nepal voiced concern over what it described as structured forms of discrimination and stigmatization faced by self-described members of the third gender, and lack of respect for their human rights by the State.

The Office pointed out that under key instruments and decisions of the UN human rights mechanisms, lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender (LGBTI) and other sexual minorities have the right to non-discrimination and equality. The acting head of OHCHR-Nepal, Jyoti Sanghera, said that “In fact, Nepal is to be commended as the only South Asian country to extend equal rights to the LGBTI members via a historic Supreme Court ruling.”

“My Office has deployed a team of human rights monitors for the first and second day of the protests by members of sexual minority in Kathmandu. Our monitors have reported that the protests are peaceful and the police have acted responsibly,” Mr. Sanghera said. “I call on the Government entities to respect the rule of law by implementing the court order as soon as possible,” he added.